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Our planet is under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will encourage individuals to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good so we have to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”